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7 Top Things to Do and See in Glasgow

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, an easy going and relaxed place with lots of things to see and do. The city has a great nightlife which makes it popular for hen parties as well as a thriving music scene. And there’s plenty for the shopping fan, art gallery or museum lover too. Here are some of our favourite things to do and see in Glasgow.

George Square

George Square sits in the centre of Glasgow and was laid out back in the 1780s and named for George III. There are some important statues here including Queen Victoria and Robert Burns and the stunning buildings around it make it a great photography spot. If you are meeting friends, it is also a great place to all gather when you first arrive.

Gallery of Modern Art

Located in the city centre, the Gallery of Modern Art is the most visited modern art gallery in Scotland and has local and international artists featured. The building originally was built for a wealthy tobacco merchant back in the 1770s and is free to enter. Watch out for the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside – there’s always a traffic cone on either the Duke or his horse’s head!

The Lighthouse

One of the famous past residents of the city was Charles Rennie Mackintosh, famous for his designs and architecture. The Lighthouse was the first public commission he created and was the foundation of the Glasgow Style of architecture. There’s an exhibit to the building’s creator as well as art exhibitions and events as well as a great viewing area across the city.

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

If you are looking for something a little different, this theatre is a one of a kind show where kinemats move to light and music. A Russian named Eduard Bersudsky in St Petersburg made these motorised machine sculptures then brought to the city in the 1980s when the theatre opened.

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral and its necropolis are the oldest building in the city with parts dating from 1136. It is the place where the patron saint of Glasgow, St Mungo, founded his church and he is buried beneath it. It has some stunning Gothic architecture and the necropolis is on the hillside by it.

Tennent’s brewery tour

If you enjoy a pint of pale lager, this tour will be perfect. Tennent’s is one of the most popular brands in the city and the brewery was founded in the 1740s. You can taste test the beers, learn about the brewing process and see how it is packed for distribution.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

For gardening fans, this is a great place to visit and dates from the early 1800s. There is a series of gardens and greenhouses including the Kibble Palace with its free ferns and statues. You can take a tour or just look around and there’s a teahouse there for lunch or afternoon tea while you are visiting. Entrance is free and it is open all year round.